The sky was thick with smoke and ash as the cities continued to smolder. The air was still and eerily silent. The only sound was that of the occasional wind and the crackling of a stray, weak flame. The only sunshine was blocked by the rising smoke. The planet had no life left on its burnt and scarred surface.

Dust rose into the air as a small craft landed in the ruins. An alien captain stepped off the space craft and scanned the area. He stared blankly at the city that once thrived with life. He glanced at the small crew that came with him. He grunted and nodded towards the ruins. Giving a command to search the area and find valuables. They nodded once and cocked their guns before taking off as small teams. They searched for anything that may still be useful to sell or trade.

The captain stared at the destruction and ignored the death he saw. He knew who had done this and how long ago. This place had been destroyed a week ago at the least. There were no birds or animals left to pick the bones of the dead. He looked away knowing there was nothing they could do for this planet. He shrugged off the pity he felt for this dead place and continued onward as he searched. They didn't want to be here long and made the search quick, yet effective. They all knew it was possible for the Galra to return. No one wanted to be there if that happened.

The captain stood on a rock as he watched his men and calculated what they had managed to find. It wasn't much, but they could get a profit. He suddenly heard one of his men yelling angrily and everyone turned to the sound. They cocked their guns and aimed down the alleyway. A small, skinny, four year old girl ran out of the alley and froze when she saw them. Her eyes widened in fear and she darted into a crumbling building. The crew member that had been chasing her stopped and looked around.

"That little brat stole my rations and water." He spat and cocked his gun. The captain watched them quietly as they argued. Something they did constantly.

"Silence!" He boomed and they stopped talking. "Are you really going to trouble yourselves with a rat?" He growled angrily and motioned for them to get on the ship.

The crew members looked at each other then nodded once and got on the craft. The captain stared at the crumbling building and again ignored the feeling of pity. He scoffed and went to finish loading things on to the ship.

"Um.... Autho sir?" One of his men said hesitantly. The captain looked at the young Galra and narrowed his eyes. The young alien had been apart of his crew since he was very young.

"No. Ligh, we are not taking the straggler." He said seriously and continued loading.

"But sir... she's the last survivor of this... planet. They were all prisoners of the Galra... taken from their worlds. They escaped and joined the people on this planet. Built a life-"

"Do not give me a history lesson!" Autho hissed angrily and whipped around. "We are pirates and scavengers. As long as the Galra leave us alone, we will be perfectly fine." He growled angrily.

"But the girl.... she won't survive much longer on-"

"She is not our concern!" He snapped angrily and smacked him. "You will finish loading the ship then get on without further argument. Unless you want to stay with her on this death planet." He growled as he looked at him.

Ligh shook his head and stepped back. The captain glared then went back to work. Ligh watched him quietly then went to work as well. He dropped a box and heard someone whimper. He looked over at one of the walls and saw the little girl. He hesitated and looked at the others as they worked.

He knew he could get killed if he was disobedient and went against his captain. But they couldn't leave her. He couldn't live with himself if he did. He glanced back at the others then snuck into the building. She looked at him and whimpered fearfully as she backed further into the corner.

"Shhhh it's alright. I'm not going to hurt you..." he whispered quietly and held out his hand. She hugged herself tightly and looked at him as tears fell down her face. He thought for a few minutes then pulled out his last cookie.

"Here. Take it." He whispered quietly and she quickly ate it. He took off his jacket and put it on her.

"Don't be scared. I won't let you die here." He muttered and gently picked her up. She whimpered fearfully then held on to him, unsure what else to do.

He looked around then peeked out of the building. He grabbed one of the boxes and pulled it into their hiding place. He opened it and moved a few things out of it. He carefully set her inside and gave her his rations.

"Be very quiet." He said seriously yet gently. She curled up in a ball and he put the lid on the box. He then carefully took the box and put it in the ship, he made sure to mark it with a small carving. Autho looked at him and narrowed his eyes.

"What took you so long?" He growled and folded his arms.

"Uh.... nature was calling." He muttered and went to his station.

Autho raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Ligh glanced at him then bit his lip as he focused on the task at hand. How was he going to keep her hidden?

After they unloaded the ship, he said he would stay behind and count what they had. Autho agreed and left to fly the station away from the planet. Ligh waited until he was alone then went to the box. He looked around then carefully opened it. The girl looked at him and whimpered fearfully.

"It's okay... you're safe now." He muttered and picked her up. He held her close and closed the box then quickly left the room. He hummed softly and peeked around each corner as he made his way to his quarters. She shook with fear and whimpered again as she held on to him and looked around.

"Don't be scared." He whispered quietly and continued to hum. She felt the rumble inside him and slowly closed her eyes as she fell asleep. He smiled slightly and made it to his quarters.

Once there he locked the door then laid her down on his bed. He worked on making her a hammock and hung it in the corner. He smiled proudly at his handiwork and snuck off to get her some food. He would do what he could to take care of the little girl. He just hoped he didn't get caught.